CHAPTER 9: Shoot! It’s time

Roxy’s POV

Determination. The ability to see one focus and one focus alone, sacrificing all other distractions for that one goal.

I felt it seeping through my bones, coursing through my veins as I pushed open the heavy glass doors of the law firm and stepped into the sleek, marble-floored lobby, reflecting my anxious steps. My eyes skyrocketed to the grand chandelier overhead that glinted in the soft light, casting an opulent glow over everything, and right there, on the wall—MCLAIN AND ASSOCIATES;

The name glistened boldly on the grey wall and a quick drum started in my chest. I glanced around my heart pounding with both excitement and nerves.

I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the journey ahead. Secure the job with Aaron West, at all cost. Flirt. Beg. Cry. If you must but secure the freaking job Roxy.

My gaze flicked left and I swayed elegantly with an inward grace to the receptionist’s desk, a poised woman with neatly styled hair and a professional outlook.

She looked up as I approached. “Good morning. How may I assist you?” Her expression friendly, yet neutral.

“I’m here to see Mr. Aaron West.,” I said, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves.

The receptionist’s eyebrows arched slightly. “Mr. West is on the top floor. You’ll need to take the elevator.”

I nodded quickly, glancing toward the elevator- and saw the doors beginning to close. “Hold it!” I called, rushing forward.

Just as the doors were about to shut, I slipped inside and the doors reopened, barely avoiding being locked out. I nearly bumped into the man who was already standing in there but he steadied me, grabbing my hand and shit! shock—through my fingers pushing chills into my veins. It was instant and intense. Familiar. I had felt it before.

Once.

Once I was steady, he released my hand. I could still feel small sparks on the tip of my fingers where he just touched.

“Sorry,” I mouthed, taking a little of his gaze.

“It’s fine.” He clipped with a low husk, not trying to look at me.

I steadied myself, finding my spot. And then my eyes fluttered, sneaking a look up at him, I didn’t stare long enough to see his face but he was striking—tall, with dark, neatly styled hair and a tailored gray suit that accentuated his broad shoulders over a crisp white shirt and a matching tie. Out of the corner of one eyes, I sneak his face, intense and fixed straight ahead.

The air between us was electric, compelling, almost magnetic. I felt my pulse quicken as the elevator sojourned and I couldn’t help but sneak one more glance at him. His aura was commanding, and the brief proximity made my heart race. He smelt like musk, dominance and money.

I heaved the sudden, intense connection. It was as if time had slowed down just for us. The electricity in the air was profound and I could feel the warmth radiating from him, amplifying my already racing heartbeat.

Again. I had felt this before.

The elevator dinged softly, on the top floor, and he stepped out with a purposeful stride, I watched him leave, captivated by the aura he exuded.

“Hey!” A female snappy voice called my eyes and my whole attention from his disappearing view. “Can I help you?”

I clock my eyes at her. She is an average height doe-eyed black girl, dressed professionally, standing behind a simple rectangular desk with an aura of ease about her.

“You look lost.” She added with a suggestive tone.

I shook my head, my heart still pounding as I took her full gaze in.

“I am Rachael and you are?” She pressed.

“I am Roxette Bennett and I am here to see Mr. West.”

Her eyes widened slightly in recognition. “Oh, you just missed him. That was Mr. West you were with in the elevator. I happen to be his secretary.”

What?

“What? That was Aaron….” I blurted and immediately shut my eyes briefly, correcting myself. “I mean Mr. West?”

“Yes,” She smiled at me as if she knew exactly what I was thinking.

The man was unbelievable hot! For his age, he was smoking hot! And in that intense kind of way.

Rosy would choke on her words if she saw him.

Yes! He did look a lot of years older than I was but he looked plenty years away from old. Either that or he cleaned up really nice. He was ridiculously handsome in an offensively intense kind of way and what was that intense pull I felt in the elevator?

I know I said I wouldn’t care about his looks but— I didn’t expect him to look like THAT.

My memory of the first time we met is still jaded; he was in a dark leather jacket and black pants, he looked less intimidating that day.

But today—in that suit—in this place.

Damn! the nerves are starting to get to me.

I shake my cramping fingers, trying to get a hold of myself.

“Do you have an appointment?” Rachael’s voice called me out of my winding thoughts.

I shook my head, a bit flustered. “No formal appointment. Professor McLain said it was fine for me to come by.”

Her expression softened. “Oh you know Sarah?,”

“She is actually my professor.” I returned sharply.

“Oh I see, one of Sarah’s students. Hmmm….it’s the first time we’ll see any of her students here. You must have made quite the impression. Please, have a seat. I’ll go check if Mr. West is available.”Her raspy British accent gave her words a gravelly charm, that made her voice unforgettable.

“Actually,” I said, trying to keep my composure, “could I use the bathroom first?”

“Of course,” She replied, pointing eastward from where we stood. “Straight down and then left.”

“Thank you.” I gave a polite smile and made my way to the bathroom, my nerves frayed.

I checked my reflection—the red blouse and black pencil skirt Rosy picked out were meant to project confidence and sass, but after seeing Mr. West— under the light, no influence of alcohol and in a clear state of mind, Damn!

I felt really lacking.

Now I understand when Rosy said ‘Sophisticated woman,’

That man was a sophisticated man.

“Come on Roxy, don’t let his hotness intimidate you. You can make a priest sin.” I said with a nervous chuckle, carrying out the ideas that played on mind.

First, I hurriedly ran my hands up my pineapple pony tail, letting my hair lose. My full black curls splattered around my face and then I let one button lose and then another and another until there was a good amount of my cleavage on display. I didn’t want to look like a school girl now, I wanted to look like a ravishing young woman that would have him captivated at the first look. I drew out my curls, my fingers fumbling as I struggled to keep my composure. My cheeks flushed with frustration, and I mentally scolded myself for my fidgeting.

Once I felt presentable, I headed back to the reception area. Rachael greeted me with a nod. “You can go in. Mr. West will see you now. First office by the hallway.”

Shoot.

It’s time.